GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who starred at the University of North Dakota for two seasons, has been named the winner of the National Hockey League’s Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward.

The award, announced tonight by the NHL, is voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Toews helped lead the Blackhawks to an NHL-best 2.02 goals against per game average and finished third in the NHL with a career-high +28 rating as Chicago finished first overall with a 36-7-5 regular season record. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native also excelled offensively, tying for the team lead with 23 goals and finishing second on the team in scoring with 48 points in 47 games.

It is the second major individual award for Toews, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after leading the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup Championship in 2009-10.

Toews became the second UND product to win the Selke Trophy, joining Troy Murray (1980-82), who also won the award while with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1985-86.

Toews played at UND during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, leading the Fighting Sioux to an NCAA Frozen Four appearance each season and earning All-America honors as a sophomore.

On Wednesday night, Toews and the Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins 4-3 in triple overtime in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. Game Two is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, at 7 p.m. Central on NBC Sports Network.